Monday, 23 December 2013

As I write this I just finished making my Christmas cards. A relaxing pastime that can easily let your thoughts wander to the past year.

On the personal level , there were some changes and events.

Unfortunately a long friendship came to an end. Feeling sad about it but also there's the awareness that this is somehow part of life. But nevertheless something you not easily leave behind.

The lives of our sons was subject to some changes.
Our eldest son got unemployed but happily found himself a new (temporary) job. The youngest stopped (feeling very unhappy) university but eventually started (in good spirits) a new study.
And our middle son moved out .... all in all an emotional time for this mum.
Highlights were surely our family holiday to the South of France and the stay I had with my husband in West-Sussex last Spring.

But also a lot of care concerning my mother who spend a long time in hospital and now (though very fragile) fortunately a while at home.
It gives you food for thought, enjoy life and make your wishes come true.

A big wish of mine came true, because this year I started this blog. What I found scary at first gives me so much pleasure, also due to the heartwarming reactions that surprise me every time.

Considering all I look back on a good and loving year, so count my blessings.

Have this year so many shared with you I would also like to convey my best wishes to you in respect of the new year through my Christmas card this year.
This led up to ....

Friday, 29 November 2013

Browsing on Pinterest I came across a picture of a village which is said to be one of the most beautiful in France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
At the same time my thoughts went out to our last holiday this summer and our visit to this lovely village.
Not without some melancholy because after many years thinking during every holiday it would be the last one in the company of our boys, I really think this has been the last one. At least for the next few years anyway....
Even though I will miss them terribly it's a good thing.... their lives moves on.

Perhaps it's that time of the year, how do they call it.... autumn blues? But at this moment I can yearn for the time they were three little men, all cosy in their pyjamas on the couch watching their favourite program on the television before bedtime.
I know it seems a bit odd to share this holiday pictures with you while next week I'm going to buy my Christmas tree. On the other hand, it makes me wonder how this enchanting village will look at Christmas time. Maybe the last picture may somewhat reflects the possible atmosphere.

Sometimes I use my blog as a diary, which gives me the opportunity to go back in time and capture it.
Hope you will join me on my little trip down memory lane....

This picture shows very well how small the village is ....

And it's smallest house ....

The village is perched on a cliff overlooking a meander of the Lot and is a masterpiece
of medieval architecture ....

Friday, 8 November 2013

For those who regularly read my blog may remember my post about the Autumnal display that I hoped the birds also could experience some fun later....

For those who haven't read it yet , you can find it here
In spite of the central heating I've enjoyed it for a very long time on my dining table but eventually moved it to a visible spot in the garden, curious whether the birds would enjoy.
To my great happiness they did, many birds have filled their (little) bellies with it.
Great tits, the lovely robin (whereof I somehow -and to my great annoyance-lost the photo) and this blackbird who, to my great joy incredibly long posed ....

Monday, 14 October 2013

Although I love summer, the signs of autumn always makes me very happy.
Making a stroll into the woods and then all cosy and warm home again. Some candles and a stew already simmering on the stove .... recognise the feeling?

No Spring nor Summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face ....
~ John Donne~

That all makes me want to go into the kitchen and make my favourite stew.

Although my old pan still functions I would love to have one who also looks beautiful on my dining table!
I've found a lot of pots who will be functional in the kitchen and appealing on my table .

I really fell in love with the new line of cookware fromLe Creuset
On the outside the modern look of mineral blue, cotton and sisal. On the inside the effectiveness of shiny almond coloured enamel.
The collection consists of round and oval cast frying pans, casserole dishes, cake forms of pottery, kettles and silicone spatulas.
Stunning and efficient!

Another brand of French manufacture is Staub
The Staub includes a lid with ''les picots", a innovation that ensures that the condensation drops fall uniform on the preparation. Keeping the flavor and taste well preserved.
Available in these eight colours ....

The detachable wooden handle can be used to lift the pot or the lid ....

I haven't quite made up my mind yet about the colour but I think my next stew will be served in a pot from Le Creuset and I find this one very nice ....

So for now I made the following recipe (a french stew with a dutch twist) still in my trusty old pan.

You will need the following ingredients:

( for 6 people)

- 1 kg of lean beef

- salt

- pepper

- 100 gram of butter

- 100 gram of bacon in small pieces

- 3 onions

- 4 decilitre red wine

- 2 decilitre bouillon

- sprig of thyme

- 2 bay leaf

- 2 cloves

- 2 garlic bulbs

- sliced shrub celery

- a large sliced carrot

- 250 gram mushrooms

- 1 cup sour cream

- parsley

Cut the meat into pieces as large as dice and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and gently fry the bacon. Chop the onions and fry with the bacon. Add the meat and sear it. Then add the wine, bouillon, thyme, bay leaf, garlic (from the press), celery, carrot and let it simmer for two and a half hours.

Then add the furred mushrooms, sour cream and parsley.

Keeping it (after cooled) in the fridge for one night before served, the more intense the flavour will be. Delicious with boiled potatoes or farfalle!

In anticipation of my new pot I served the stew in this small (single) pans....

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

The main reason for my visit to the garden centre last week was to buy a birthday present for my sister and some white pansies. While walking through the centre I just couldn't resist all the colourful fruit and pumpkins that are offered this time of the year.
Not really sure what to do with it I also bought two flowerpots, moss, some small apples and checker berry. In my bicycle basket it already looked like a cheerful fruity party ....

With only some more sphagnum, floral foam and cocktail sticks the fruit gradually got its destination ....

I first covered the iron bowl with moss ....

Then filled it with floral foam ( on the picture shown later in this post it has just one layer )
When you add another layer it will be slightly higher ....

Then cover it all with moss ....

By using a cocktail stick you can add the fruit. For the pumpkins I used a cordless drill to make a small hole before adding it with a cocktail stick ....

And voila, the birds can have their party ....

For the moment it's still on my dining table as it is a lovely Autumnal display ....

The birthday present came naturally and with still some fruit left I also made a welcome gift for my niece's her new (first) home ....